Eric Morel, the former champion at 112-pounds, could be challenging unbeaten Mexican boxer Abner Mares, the IBF's 118-pound champion, according to Morel's legal counsel Gaby Penagaricano.

"We are negotiating a very important fight between Eric and Abner Mares. There is a lot of money and it will be televised by Showtime. It's a great opportunity, which we were always looking to get for Eric," he said.

Morel (46-2, 23 KO's), who lives in Wisconsin, decided to go up to 118 pounds and now he's riding an 11-0 run - but the main fighters in the division, including several champions, have preferred to avoid trade punches with the Puerto Rican fighter.

"This will be the fruit of the work performed by the Golden Boy Promotions in the eighteen months [that we've been working with them]. We are talking about this fight taking place in California - and while Mexico has been mentioned, it is not my preference. We are close to reaching an agreement and Eric will receive a good purse," Penagaricano said.